Winter is a cold season, but no one wants that cold to creep into the home. Many inventions and strategies can keep heat inside, where we want it, even in the heart of the coldest season. Beyond simply having a heating system, learn several ways you can keep your home warmer this winter without major overhauls in your house.
Open Curtains During the Day and Close the Curtains at Night
Windows often have tiny imperfections that expose your home to the elements. Curtains, however, are at the front line for keeping external temperatures from entering the house.
In the winter, change your curtain setup to match the time of day. During the day, leave the curtains open so that sunlight heats your house. This practice can both save some money on heating costs and help bring light into your home for free. At night, close the curtains to better insulate the windows.
Insulate Your Attic
Heat rises. This simple fact contributes greatly to the loss of warmth in your house. As a homeowner, you want to find ways to keep the heat from escaping as it naturally ascends.
Generally, the attic is the final frontier for keeping you warm, and a properly insulated attic is critical to achieving that goal. A qualified services professional can inspect your existing insulation and test your home’s ability to conserve heat.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Not matter how counterintuitive, ceiling fans can reduce heat lost as well. Most ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, with the blades oriented to pull heat up and out of your room. Fans also typically have a reverse setting, which instead pushes the rising hot air back down. Be sure your fan turns the right way, and you’ll keep more of your heat in your house.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Out of all the energy-using appliances that exist in a modern household, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (or HVAC) system factors among the biggest costs. Keeping your energy costs under control is crucial to maintaining a household budget, but no one wants to have a cold home.
Enter the programmable thermostat. By allowing users to set different temperatures for different times of day, these devices let you avoid paying for costly heating bills during periods of the day you are not home. Smart thermostats work even better; with your smartphone or mobile device, you control your thermostat from a distance.
Clear Your Vents
When arranging your furniture, you might lose sight of vents for your household’s ventilation system. A blocked vent, however, inadequately keeps your house comfortable. Tour your house and make sure all the vents are clear of obstructions so that the HVAC system warms the house evenly without being overworked.
While a little cold air never hurt anyone, too much cold air is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. However, keeping your home comfortable during the winter months doesn't have to involve high costs. Be proactive to keep the heat inside your home.
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